KAPCHORWA, October 22, 2025 — The Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has pledged to revive the Sebei Elgon Cooperative Union and reconstruct the Kapchorwa Central Market, which was destroyed by fire in February this year.
Nandala made these commitments during his recent presidential campaign tour of the Sebei Subregion, covering the districts of Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo.
Thousands of residents turned out to welcome the FDC flag bearer, widely known for his strong stance on accountability, economic reform, and grassroots development.
Addressing supporters at a rally held at Kapchorwa Boma Grounds, Mafabi unveiled his campaign manifesto titled “Fixing the Economy and Putting Money in People’s Pockets.” The plan focuses on strengthening livelihoods through improved governance, farmer empowerment, business support, and enhanced service delivery.
Highlighting the plight of local farmers, Nandala Mafabi vowed to restore the once-powerful Sebei Elgon Cooperative Union, which previously helped farmers market produce such as coffee, barley, and wheat at favourable prices.
“This cooperative used to be the backbone of the Sebei economy. Farmers could sell their produce and earn a decent living. But due to corruption and poor leadership, it collapsed,” he said. “FDC is committed to reviving it so our farmers can regain both dignity and livelihood.”
He noted that reviving cooperative unions nationwide is central to his strategy of building Uganda’s economy from the grassroots.
“You cannot fix an economy by borrowing endlessly. You fix it by empowering your people to produce, to trade, and to thrive,” Mafabi stated. “When farmers are supported, when traders have proper markets, when industries grow, the entire country benefits.”
While visiting the site of the burnt Kapchorwa Central Market, Mafabi expressed concern over the government’s slow response to reconstruct the facility. He pledged that under an FDC government, markets across the country would be modernised to support small businesses.
“Our mothers and fathers who depend on this market deserve better. It’s heartbreaking to see them selling from roadside stalls, exposed to sun and rain,” he said. “We shall rebuild this market with proper stalls, electricity, and sanitation, that’s how we support small traders and fix the economy.”
Nandala also spoke strongly about improving healthcare services, which he said have failed to serve the rural poor.
“Many health centres have no medicine, no doctors, no ambulances. People are dying of treatable diseases,” he said. “My government will increase funding for the health sector, ensure every sub-county has a functional health centre, and pay health workers a decent wage.”
He linked poor health services to persistent poverty, arguing that economic growth cannot be achieved when people are unwell and unproductive.
“When families are constantly dealing with sickness, they can’t work or grow. Fixing healthcare is part of fixing the economy,” he added.
On youth empowerment, Mafabi pledged to prioritise employment and skills development through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation schemes.
“Our young people are talented and full of energy, but they lack opportunity. We will fund youth groups, provide startup capital, and help them create jobs — the youth must be partners in rebuilding this economy,” he said.
Local leaders praised Mafabi’s message for being practical and focused on real issues. FDC Chairperson for Sebei, Actiki Chemonges, said the manifesto reflects the pressing needs of ordinary people.
“For years, Sebei has been neglected. Our farmers are unsupported, our markets are in ruins, and our healthcare is failing. Mafabi’s vision to fix the economy and put money in people’s pockets gives us hope,” he said.
Residents in Kapchorwa welcomed Mafabi, also the Bugisu Cooperative Union Chairman, with traditional songs and dances as he continued his campaign tour. He urged voters to choose leaders with integrity and a people-centred agenda.
“We must elect leaders who serve the people, not those who exploit them. Uganda needs a government rooted in fairness, justice, and hard work — and the FDC is ready to lead that change,” he declared to cheers from the crowd.
Mafabi’s message centred on reviving cooperatives, rebuilding institutions, and restoring confidence in the economy, is beginning to resonate with many Ugandans. In the Sebei Subregion, where farmers and traders continue to struggle, his slogan “Fixing the economy and putting money in the pocket” has become a hopeful call for better days ahead.
Nandala is running against President Yoweri Museveni of the ruling National Resistance Movement [NRM], Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform [NUP], and Gregory Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation [ANT], among others. According to Electoral Commission [EC], the presidential election will take place on January 15, 2026.
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